Question

Identify the workplace health and safety regulations applicable in wa Briefly describe the impact of the WHS Act on the identified regulations (in 50-70 words).

Answer 1

WHS is Work Health and Safety Act

WHS wa is workplace health and safety Western Australia. The proposed regulations are -

- This will be based on the National Model WHS regulations and will apply generally to all workplaces in Western Australia;

- WHS (Mines) Regulations – this will apply to the mining sector; and

- WHS (Petroleum and Geothermal Energy Operations) Regulations – this will apply to petroleum and geothermal energy operations.

MAIN FUNCTION OF WHS REGULATIONS -

The purpose of the WHS law is to protect the health, safety and welfare of the employees, volunteers and other persons who are at or come in contact with a workplace.

MAIN FEATURES OF THESE REGULATIONS -

The main provisions of these regulations require employees to provide -

• adequate lighting, heating, ventilation and workspace.

• staff facilities including toilets, washing facilities and refreshments.

• safe passageways to prevent slipping and tripping hazards.

MAIN OBJECTIVES OF HEALTH AND SAFETY AT WORKPLACE -

• It aims to protect people from the risk of injury.

• Ensuring employees' health, safety and welfare at work.

• Protecting non-employees against the health and safety risks arising from work place activities.

• Controlling the keeping and use of explosive or highly flammable or dangerous substances.

IMPACT -

At least in the eyes of senior WHS managers in most large organisations operating interstate, the benefits of the model WHS Act substantially outweigh its costs and there is reason to anticipate that over time it will achieve significant reductions in work related disease, injury and death.

Before 1974 approximately 8 million employees had no legal safety protection at work. The health and safety workplace provides the legal framework to promote, stimulate and encourage high standards of health and safety in places of work. It protects employees and the public from work activities.